Landlord tools · Ohio
Everything a Ohio lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.
These rules are applied automatically. About 5 minutes, PDF download, no account.
Ohio doesn't cap security deposits by statute — most landlords charge one to two months' rent. No statutory limit; 5% annual interest on portion over greater of $50/1 month if tenancy 6+ months After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 30 days. Itemized deductions required; double damages for wrongful withholding Returning one now? Use the free Ohio deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.
Ohio sets no statutory dollar cap on late fees, but courts require them to be reasonable and they must appear in the written lease. No grace period is required by statute, though many leases include one. No statutory cap; courts require reasonableness. No statutory grace period.
Landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. Reasonable notice required; 24 hours presumed reasonable. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 30 days' written notice (30 days' notice either party). No statute; 30-day month-to-month change of terms customary. Planning an increase? The free Ohio rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.
Utilities: No specific statute; lease should allocate utilities. Pets: No statutory pet deposit rules; refundable pet deposits earn interest if thresholds met.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Ohio?
Ohio has no statutory limit on security deposits — one to two months' rent is customary. No statutory limit; 5% annual interest on portion over greater of $50/1 month if tenancy 6+ months
How long does a Ohio landlord have to return the deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends. Itemized deductions required; double damages for wrongful withholding
Are late fees limited in Ohio?
There's no statutory dollar cap, but fees must be reasonable and stated in the lease. No statutory cap; courts require reasonableness. No statutory grace period
How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Ohio?
At least 24 hours, except in emergencies. Reasonable notice required; 24 hours presumed reasonable
Does Ohio have rent control?
No statewide rent control. Local rent control preempted statewide (2022)
The builder pre-loads every Ohio rule on this page.
Key statutes: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 · § 5321.17 · § 5321.18 · § 5321.04. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.